Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature)
Here is an adorable book that would make a thoughtful gift for new parents or new grandparents. Although Baby may be crying as the story begins, there is a sense of peace and joy throughout. The precious little round-faced baby is tired, so Mommy dries those tears with kisses. First there are "ten little kisses on teeny tiny toes." Daddy, Sister, Grandma and even the cat and the dog kiss Baby as the countdown proceeds. The descriptions are apt, as when the dog gives "six tickly kisses on baby's dimpled chin" and the cat licks "three fuzzy kisses on sweet little ears." Finally Mommy gives one kiss on a "sleepy, dreamy head" and then, of course, it's time for bed. Every person and creature pictured is appealing and the story captures the feeling of the unconditional love that family members feel for a new baby. The author is a collector of folk art and that influence is clearly shown in this "kiss and read" book. 2001, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, $14.00. Ages 1 to 5.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, November 15, 2000 (Vol. 68, No. 22))
A tired tot is bundled off to bed with a bevy of smooches from family members in this comforting countdown tale. In joy-filled free verse, Katz ("The Colors of Us", 1999, etc.) introduces readers to the numbers ten through one, beginning with ten kisses for ten little toes and concluding with a final salute on one snoozy noggin. To further reinforce the number introduced, tiny pink hearts in the appropriate amount accompany each verse, along with the numeral, highlighted in boldly colored, oversized text. Katz focuses on the plethora of precious attributes that make babies, even cranky and tired ones, so lovable. By highlighting everything from button noses to delicate ears, she provides young readers with an opportunity to learn and identify various parts of their own anatomies. The full-bleed illustrations are presented in a kaleidoscopic swirl of vibrant color combinations. Every page is awash in color, with even the text-only pages steeped in a rainbow selection of colors, from soft periwinkle to sunshine yellow. The combination of colored pencils, gouache, and collage work adds dimension to the illustrations, while intriguing perspectives further the visual impact. The inviting illustrations, portraying cozy images of familial affection, deftly convey the emotional tenor of the tale. As the kissing fest proceeds, with even the family pets contributing a few, the baby's expression evolves from wailing to merry, eventually settling down to peaceful slumber. A winsome tale perfect for cuddle time with a beloved little one. 2001, McElderry, $14.00. Category: Picture book. Ages 1 to 5. © 2000 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Janice M. Del Negro (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, February 2001 (Vol. 54, No. 6))
In this rosily illustrated bedtime story, a mother, father, and grandmother soothe a tired baby with a kissing countdown to sleep. The various grownups give "ten little kisses on teeny tiny toes/ nine laughing kisses on busy, wriggly feet/ eight squishy kisses on chubby, yummy knees" and so on, until "one last kiss" on the baby's "sleepy, dreamy head." Each spread features a short line about the number of kisses; beneath the line is a chain of little pink hearts that separates the text from the featured numeral. The mixed-media illustrations (gouache, collage, and colored pencil) feature the well-kissed baby in her pink sleeper (decorated with hot pink hearts) being hugged by a (presumed) sibling (wearing red hearts), in a pink-wallpapered room decorated with flowered curtains and sheets. The candy-heart palette is overwhelmingly reminiscent of the designer-nursery-school school of decorating, but the occasional touches of deeper hues serve to anchor the froth. All that kissy stuff (and all those hues of blushing pink) gets pretty gooey and girly, but that won't keep gooey uncles and girly aunts from stockpiling this "kiss and read" book for present and future nieces and nephews. Review Code: Ad -- Additional book of acceptable quality for collections needing more material in the area. (c) Copyright 2001, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2001, McElderry, 26p, $14.00. Ages 2-4 yrs.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2001)
Parents, sister, grandmother, and the family pets send baby to bed with a countdown of kisses: "ten little kisses on teeny tiny toes" down to "one last kiss on your sleepy, dreamy head." Katz's patterned art, with its round shapes and pastel-colored palette, is engaging, but the decorative hearts and rosy cheeks may make this too saccharine for some. Stick with Molly Bang's Ten, Nine, Eight for bedtime counting books. Category: Preschool. 2001, McElderry, 32pp, $14.00. Ages 2 to 5. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.

Linda Halfmann (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 14, No. 2))
COUNTING KISSES by Karen Katz is truly a kiss-and-read book. Everyone in the family comforts the teary infant with loving kisses in an attempt to get the baby to sleep. Even the dog and cat take a turn. The countdown of kisses is richly illustrated with flat, colorful, cartoon-like figures. This book is sure to become a favorite of toddlers for bedtime reading. Fiction. Grades K-3. 2001, McElderry Books, Unpaged, $14.00. Ages 5 to 9.